Facial Trauma - Falcon Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery Services

Facial Trauma

At Falcon Implants & Oral Surgery , our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained to repair facial injuries, offering expert care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma. Facial injuries can cause significant emotional distress, and our surgeons understand the delicate balance of providing treatment that supports both your immediate needs and long-term recovery.

Our doctors meet and exceed modern standards in the management of facial trauma. With specialized training and hands-on experience, they are equipped to handle the complexities of facial injuries while considering the long-term impact on both function and appearance. Our team is on staff at local hospitals, where they provide coverage for various facial injuries, including:

Facial lacerations
Intraoral lacerations
Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

With our expertise in facial trauma care, we are committed to helping you restore not only the form and function of your face but also your confidence and emotional well-being.

The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

Facial trauma can occur due to various incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related accidents. These injuries can vary widely, from damage to the teeth to more severe injuries involving the skin and bones of the face.

Facial injuries are generally classified into three categories:

Soft tissue injuries: These affect the skin, gums, and other soft tissues.
Bone injuries: These include fractures of the facial bones, such as the jaw or cheekbones.
Specialized region injuries: These involve sensitive areas like the eyes, facial nerves, or salivary glands.

No matter the severity of the injury, our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons are equipped to provide the necessary care and treatment to help you recover and restore both function and appearance.

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Facial lacerations and soft tissue injuries are typically repaired through suturing. While ensuring the best cosmetic outcome is a primary concern, it’s equally important to assess and address any potential damage to underlying structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts.

Drs. Kortebein, Kimmel, and Wagner are experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of facial lacerations. Their expertise ensures that not only is your injury repaired effectively, but the function and appearance of your face are also carefully preserved.

Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Facial bone fractures are treated similarly to fractures in other parts of the body, with the specific treatment approach determined by factors such as the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Unlike fractures of the arm or leg, which can be stabilized with a cast, facial fractures require specialized methods for stabilization.

One common treatment for fractures of the upper or lower jaw is to wire the jaws together, ensuring proper healing. However, for certain types of jaw fractures, a more advanced technique called “rigid fixation” is often used. This involves the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the fracture site, which helps stabilize the bone without the need to wire the jaws shut. Rigid fixation has significantly improved recovery times, allowing patients to return to normal function more quickly.

Our goal is to treat facial fractures in a precise, effective manner, with minimal impact on your facial appearance. We strive to limit the number of incisions needed, and when incisions are necessary, they are kept small and strategically placed to ensure scars are as inconspicuous as possible. Drs. Kortebein, Kimmel, and Wagner are skilled in delivering the highest standard of care for facial fractures, ensuring both effective treatment and cosmetic results.

Injuries to the Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures

Injuries to teeth and the surrounding structures are relatively common and often require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons play a key role in treating fractures of the supporting bone and replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are typically managed using splinting techniques, which stabilize the teeth by wiring or bonding them together.

If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk as soon as possible. The faster the tooth is reinserted into the socket, the better the chances of saving it. It is important to seek treatment from a dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Avoid wiping the tooth, as remnants of the ligament that keep it in place are crucial for successful replantation.

In some cases, other dental specialists such as endodontists may be needed to perform root canal therapy, or restorative dentists may be required to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. If the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants are often the best solution for replacing the missing tooth.

At Falcon Implants & Oral Surgery , we are skilled in the emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation necessary to manage facial and dental injuries, ensuring optimal results for our patients.

Trauma Doesn’t Have To Be Permanent!

Let us help you heal! Our caring staff is here to help you if you have any questions!